MPs gathered at the statue sported a black band on their arms and carried posters hitting out at the government. This protest, they said, will not include any sloganeering but a two-minute silence to pay respect to those who lost their lives as a result of demonetisation.

Speaking about the on-going protests in both Houses of Parliament, Rahul said the responsibility to run the House is the government’s and the Speaker’s. “We want a vote (following debate) because people from BJP will vote for us on demonetisation.”

“The idea behind a cashless economy is that a few people must get maximum benefits from these transactions, this has damaged the nation. He (PM Modi) is laughing, having a nice time while the people of the country are suffering. Lok Sabha mein agar mujhe bolne diya jaye toh main sab bata doonga ki Paytm kaise “PAY TO MODI” hota hai (If given a chance to speak in Lok Sabha, I will reveal how PayTM becomes Pay to Modi).

Trinamool Congress said it wants to discuss demonetisation with an adjournment or under Rule 184 but the government won’t allow it. Lok Sabha leader S Bandopadhyay said the party joined the protests this morning and “observed death anniversary of Rs 500/1000 currency notes as well as paid respects to those who died of demonetisation.”

However, Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu responded to the protest, saying: “Ye ‘kala diwas’ nahi, kala dhan ke samarthan diwas hai. (This isn’t a black day but the death anniversary of black money). Gandhi ji gave call for Satyagrah to see that victory of truth prevails; What are so-called namesake Gandhis doing? Observing a protest.”